Seth Roberts’ movie about vampires, werewolves and ancient grudges is now slated for filming this spring.

The Lewiston director had hoped to begin filming “Dark Vengeance” in August after an intense summer of script rehearsals and stunt training, but the date has crept forward.

“The storyboard, creature concepts and costume designs are just about finished,” Roberts said this week via e-mail.

“At this time we have signed an actual producer who is now in the process of securing a much larger budget than we had originally anticipated. Things are moving forward.”

The movie, first in an anticipated trilogy, is about an ancient Egyptian overlord, a young woman turned vampire bent on revenge and treasure hidden by the Templar Knights in Lewiston.

– Kathryn Skelton
iPods for conservation

Gov. John Baldacci is calling on Maine students to be leaders in the state’s efforts to conserve energy.

Because October is Energy Awareness Month, the state is sponsoring the 5th Annual Energy Savings Contest for students in grades four through six.

They can submit tips on how energy can be saved in homes and schools. Winners will get iPod Shuffles and solar-powered chargers at an awards ceremony in December.

Baldacci hopes the contest will inspire children to think about how to save energy and reduce greenhouse emissions.

“Today’s children will be living with the consequences of energy decisions we make now, and so will their grandchildren,” Baldacci said in a news release.

“The earlier we get our students focused on what they can do, the better.”

Kids can learn about “energy hogs” by visiting http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm.

The contest will run through October. For further information, contact Joy Adamson at (207) 287-8350 or e-mail to [email protected].

– Bonnie Washuk